Associations between Depressive Symptoms and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms, and Health-Promoting Behaviors among Korean Coast Guards

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to examine associations between depressive symptoms and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, and health-promoting behaviors in Korean Coast Guards who are exposed to a vulnerable working environment.Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 271 Korean Coast Guards in Gangwon-do. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Korean version of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Scale-Revised. Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms were measured using the KOSHA (Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency) GUIDE H-9-2012. Health-promoting behaviors were measured using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II.Results: Of all the Korean Coast Guards, 17.3% represents the risk of clinical depression, and 43.5% reported work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in any body parts. The average score of health-promoting behaviors were 2.4 (range, 1-4 scores). Depressive symptoms and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms were significantly negatively associated with health-promoting behaviors, respectively. Depressive symptoms were significantly negatively associated with the spiritual growth, interpersonal relationship, physical activity, and stress management in subscales of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II. Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms were significantly negatively associated with the physical activity and stress management in subscales of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II.Conclusions: Among Korean Coast Guards, health-promoting behaviors were significantly associated with depressive symptoms and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. Therefore, nursing strategies to promote health-promoting behaviors may be enhanced psychological health and physical health outcome of Korean Coast Guards.